She's the person to whom physicians refer their patients with incontinence issues. She's the one who eases the fear and anxiety of patients who undergo gynecological exams.

Kelley Hasenauer, a family nurse practitioner, and Mike Trierweiler, M.D., have opened a novel practice in North Platte, Neb., in which Hasenauer is a full parter.

And, she's the one whose kindness, compassion and patience give her the skills to work effortlessly with patients who have intellectual disabilities.

She is Kelley Hasenauer, a family nurse practitioner, who, with Mike Trierweiler, M.D., sees patients on a regular basis in their new women's health practice, Platte Valley Women's Health Care Clinic.

Come again

Yep, that's right, their new practice. Hasenauer is a full partner in the medical practice she and Dr. Trierweiler opened in North Platte, Neb., in June. The clinic offers comprehensive women's primary care in all aspects of life, from birth to death, including obstetrics and gynecology.

The practice of employing nurse practitioners has come a long way since 1994 when UNMC graduated its first class. Before that there were only 51 nurse practitioners in the state. Today, there are more than 837.

But running a medical practice as a full partner is unheard of in the state.

"There has never been a partnership like this," Dr. Trierweiler said.

The right partner

When Dr. Trierweiler decided to open a practice in North Platte, he knew he would need help and his first thought was of Hasenauer, with whom he had worked before.

"Kelley has the knowledge and depth of clinical expertise that I needed," he said.

How it works

Hasenauer also has hospital privileges. She can admit and discharge patients, sign death certificates and assist in surgery.

Together, she and Dr. Trierweiler see 20 to 30 patients a day and the numbers are growing.

"The North Platte community has really embraced the practice," Hasenauer said.

A special opportunity

A native of North Platte, Hasenauer lived and worked there for nine years before leaving in 2010 to take a faculty teaching position at UNMC. Two years later she jumped at the opportunity to move back and open a practice with Dr. Trierweiler.

The clinic, she said, is a testament to the quality of health care that nurse practitioners can, and do, provide.

"I've always felt my patients were supportive of my role as a nurse practitioner and appreciated the unique contribution I can make to their health."